Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with ADA requirements, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:

Employee must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model, interfacing and collaborating with a wide range of clinical and social services disciplines who work together to manage the PACE participants’ care. The work setting is in an Adult Day Health Center and primary care clinic environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperatures.

Physical Requirements:

Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; the ability to use department equipment; and the ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds using appropriate body mechanics with reasonable accommodation if needed.

Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements:

Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to communicate by way of the telephone with participants, customers, vendors and staff.

Pressure Factor:

Requires working under stressful conditions. Working conditions may be noisy and crowded and fluctuating indoor temperatures. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled deadlines. Potential for exposure to verbal aggression by client, vendors, and staff.

Environmental Conditions:

May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases and any other conditions common in a healthcare environment. Subject to unpleasant odors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides primary medical coverage in collaboration with PACE physicians. Following initial and semi-annual assessments completed by the physician, performs additional physical assessments of participants as needed and develops and implements appropriate plans of care to the PACE program participants within the clearly identified delegation of the medical tasks by the Medical Director (supervising physician) and as appropriate to the skills and competencies of both the supervising physician and the PA.
• Integrates the primary care treatment plan into the overall plan of care developed by the interdisciplinary team.  Interacts with team members to meet emergent and acute need of participants.  Participates in discharge planning for acute and long-term placement.
•  As requested by the Medical Director, maintains regular attendance at, and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings; communicates participant changes, collaborates on care planning decisions and coordination for 24 hour care delivery.
• Evaluates and treats participants during acute illness.  Manages participants’ chronic illnesses and conditions in collaboration with the physician(s).
• As requested and directed by the Medical Director, manages care of participants in the nursing home: Provides regular visits as dictated by nursing home standards, PACE policy and procedure and participant need. Performs telephone contact with nursing home staff as required. 
• Provides preventive health maintenance for participants, including immunizations, screenings and monitoring of pertinent indicators. Follows the PACE clinical protocol.
• Prudently prescribes medications, therapies and other treatments for participants within the scope of practice for a Physician Assistant within the state of practice. 
• Following consultation with the Primary Care Physician, refers participants to medical specialist as indicated. 
• Makes hospital, nursing home/or home visits when needed.
• Works with Medical Director, Primary Care Physician and Clinic Coordinator to formulate clinical policies, procedures and standards of care.
• Assists with the development of standards of care; performs on-going monitoring and evaluation of patient care practice and service delivery; provides guidance and training to staff regarding medical and quality assurance issues.
• Advises the Medical Director and Primary Care Physician(s)  in ways and means to establish better accountability of medical services to participants and referral sources. Keeps Medical Director aware of needed material and human resources as program expands. 
• Acts as resource during intake of new participants and in the day to day operation of the Center programs.
• Provides teaching and clinical support to PACE staff.
• Assumes responsibility for professional activities and growth.  Keeps abreast of current medical knowledge, especially in the field of geriatrics by attending professional seminars and conferences.
• Participates in team meeting, staff meetings and monthly in service meetings. 
• Participates in peer review with Medical Group.
• Meets with Medical Director (supervisor) monthly for the first six months and then at a minimum of every six months thereafter to discuss relevant clinical problems and quality improvement measures.. 
• Serves as a resource for patient safety.
• Takes it upon self to educate others related to policies and procedures when non-compliance is observed.
• Anticipates problems and acts to avoid the escalation of problems.
• Champions need for improvements.
• Initiates, supports and participates in quality improvement activities within the organization.
• Acts only within the scope of his or her authority to practice.
• Performs other duties as required or requested.